Day 58

Mabry is up to 4 lbs. Taylor weighed 4lbs when she was born, seems hard to believe because Mabry feels so small. Also she is wearing clothes for the first time. There is talk of her coming out of the hood soon. Alex got a new, bigger mouthpiece and has maintained his progress that he has made over the last few days. He is at a rate of 26 & 38% oxygen. I've noticed today that when he desats he is correcting himself without the nurse having to intervene by turning up his oxygen.There is also talk that a big move for Alex may be coming soon as well.

Cardinal Glennon - keeping families safe

Cardinal Glennon is working to keep families safe despite nearby civil unrest.   The National Guard is at the perimeter and the added feeling of security is comforting during a stressful time.

Hat tip to an old friend, and Centralia native, Damon Harbison for his leadership at Cardinal Glennon Hospital!

http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20141125/NEWS/141129990

NICU update

Here's a quick overview on Mabry and AJ after our visit and conference with the medical staff today.

Mabry - In my professional medical opinion she will be able to come home around her due date (Jan 21).   Mabry continues to have a destroyed septum so she will not be able to come home on oxygen.  

Mabry has done great so far but like her brother, or any other 24 weeker, still faces challenges in regards to vision, hearing, speech, balance, and development of higher order thinking skills.   

Alex has made progress on his ventilator but there is no clear time table on when he will be able to get off of ventilator support.    They are going to keep pushing him and see how he responds.  

Alex has chronic lung disease and will be at a high risk for pneumonia and other respiratory problems for several years in addition to all the risks for Mabry listed above.  Even 10 or more years from now he may show effects from his time on the vent.   We are praying that he can begin to heal as soon as possible.   

Day 56

Alex's rate was lowered to 32 today, he is currently at 35% oxygen, overnight he was 35-40%. Doctors had just made rounds before I called, and his nurse said his doctor seemed pleased with Alex's progress. No changes for Mabry. Alex is weighing 3lb 9.3oz and Mabry 3lb 14.8oz. We are going to visit them tomorrow:)

Day 55

Mabry is at 24% oxygen and weighs 3lb 14.3oz. Alex's rate is down to 38 and is at 34-38% oxygen. Hoping Alex has turned the corner now, and that he can get off the ventilator soon. He weighs 3lb 7.9oz. Happy Thanksgiving.

Day 54

Today I would be 32 weeks pregnant. I can't help but wonder how different things would be if my pregnancy had made it even this just far. I remember being on bedrest with Taylor and a nurse telling me 1 day on the inside for a baby was like 3 on the outside. 

Doctors have not made rounds, but their nurse said Alex is on 36% oxygen right now. This is good news, but he is laying on his belly, and Alex always does better on his belly. I am not visiting them today. We are not sure if it is safe for me to travel alone over there with all of the protests, and Taylor had a fever overnight, so I need to stay with her today. I miss my babies though:(

Day 53

Alex is still at a rate of 46 and 38-45% oxygen. He gained about 2oz yesterday, bringing him to 3lb 8.6oz. Mabry is at 3lb 10.4oz. The doctors have not made rounds yet today, but I don't expect any changes made for either baby. I asked her nurse about the conditions around the hospital. She said she did not have any trouble getting to the hospital this morning, but is concerned that the protests will resume tonight. She said the hospital has beefed up security.